After a troublesome 2025 season ,Cork City have appointed an experienced figure to their board of management ahead of the 2026 season.
Cork City have announced the appointment of English man Simon Grayson to the board today as the Leeside club as the club continues to search for a new permanent men’s first team manager following the departure of Ger Nash before Christmas. Nash is now the assistant manager of Sweden’s Football League Champions, “Mjajby FC”. Grayson brings experience to the club as an advisor to the board of management.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Cork City said “Cork City Football Club has announced the appointment of Simon Grayson as Advisor to the Board.”
Grayson’s primary focus will be working closely with the board to finalise the appointment of a new First Team Manager, aligned with the Club’s vision and ambition.
His role will also include an analysis of the club’s existing football structures in order to establish robust methods and structures. This process is designed with the intention of propelling City back to the League of Ireland Premier Division, and re-establishing them there. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the club seeks to reclaim its place among Ireland’s elite.
Simon Grayson has had an illustrated managerial career in England managing teams such as Blackpool, Leeds and Preston North End. In 2007, Grayson guided Blackpool to the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in nineteenth years. Grayson has also achieved 4 EFL promotions and won titles in India and Nepal as well as a win percentage of 45% as a manager. Grayson has also played over 500 games across England as a player. This will be Grayson’s first experience of a role in the League of Ireland.
The club also stated on social media, “The partnership between Simon Grayson and Cork City FC represents an alignment of ambition and tradition, as the club gains a leader who understands what it takes to build successful football operations from the boardroom to the pitch. While this process is ongoing, the current interim management team of David Meyler , Liam Kearney and Mark McNulty will continue to oversee first team affairs”.
Amid a troublesome period at Cork City, the appointment of Grayson brings a small part of optimism ahead of the 2026 First Division Season. It will be hoped that Grayson can help bring the stability that the club needs. Grayson’s first task will involve appointing a manager to the club.
City kick off their Pre-Season campaign against Waterford in a friendly match on the 14th of January.
